Homeless advocates are slamming the approach of a New South Wales council that has threatened to fine people sleeping rough.
Wagga Wagga City Council has warned homeless people living at a campground near the CBD they could face penalties of $1,100 or more if they do not leave the site by July 28.
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Homeless Persons’ Legal Service principal solicitor Kira Levin said there were better ways to address homelessness.
“We have grave concerns about forcibly removing people,” she said.
“We don’t think fining people is going to result in anything positive. If anything, it will further marginalise people and move the problem.”
Ms Levin said councils were under pressure, but argued individual support was more effective than “punitive measures”.
